Tired of feeling stuck on your creative project?

Have you been thinking about a creative project lately? If so, you’re not alone.

It’s finally spring here, and with the energy of rebirth and growth that comes along with it, you’re probably feeling an extra burst of inspiration.

This means now is the perfect time to take action and put your creative project into motion.

Here’s the thing about inspiration, though - it can quickly fade and be replaced by overwhelm and inaction if we’re not mindful.

That’s because pursuing something new scares the part of us that’s designed to keep us safe.

Don’t believe me? Maybe this sounds familiar…

I can’t wait to get started on this! I just told my closest friends about it and they’re just as excited as I am. I think others are really going to benefit from this! It feels doable. I think this can really happen!

Then weeks go by and there’s still no progress.

Hmm, it’s been weeks but I haven’t actually done anything. Why can’t I seem to make time for it? Why can’t I just do it? I thought this was important to me. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea after all.

You start to let go of the idea, but the nagging feeling won’t go away.

I can’t stop thinking about it. I know I need to do this. I want to do this.

If this sounds familiar, know that this is a common experience.

Your brain and your heart are in a tug of war. Your brain is using rationalization to keep you right where you are (and therefore, safe), while your heart is being pulled by your purpose.

From my own experience and in working with clients, there are three necessary steps to move from being stuck to actually taking action:

Appreciation

Vision

Accountability

The first step is appreciating why you’re stuck in the first place.

What is your brain trying to protect you from? Is it fear of judgement and rejection? Is it fear of failure? Is it fear of not being good enough?

Whatever comes up for you, recognize it and appreciate it. Thank it for wanting to keep you safe from whatever it thinks may happen, then choose to let go of it.

Thank you for keeping me safe. I’m choosing to let go of fear and doubts. I’m choosing to move forward.

Next, keep your vision so clear that it keeps you moving forward. Ask yourself these questions:

What if you do succeed? How will it make you feel to know that your project is out in the world and helping others? Will you feel pride? Joy? Bliss? How will the different areas of your life benefit from it? How will the people you love benefit?

Being clear and intentional on these feelings and outcomes is what will pull you forward to take action.

One way to keep yourself inside your vision is with reminders. Create a mini-vision board and include words and pictures of the feelings and outcomes you want. Keep it close by as you work on your project. You can even set it as your computer or phone background so that you're constantly reminded of it.

The third step is to have accountability.

Because we’re more likely to let ourselves off the hook, we need support from others to hold us accountable. Find people who are also working on a creative project and share with each other what your weekly goals are. Knowing you’re going to be asked about progress will keep you in action.

Now it’s your turn

What creative project do you want to finally get a move on? Spend some time to reflect on how inaction has helped you up until now and give it some love (it just wanted to keep you safe, after all!) Then, get clear on what this project will give you in your life and keep yourself moving by creating a mini vision board. Lastly, share your action steps with others to stay accountable. I’d love to hear what project you’re working on, too, so leave a comment below and let me know!